Dual rod cross connectors and inserter tools

ABSTRACT

An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient&#39;s spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/248,389 filed Oct. 9, 2008 entitled “Dual Rod Cross Connectors And Inserter Tools” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/929,095 filed Aug. 27, 2004 entitled “Dual Rod Cross Connectors And Inserter Tools,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to spinal fixation devices, and in particular to a cross connector for connecting spinal fixation elements, such as spinal fixation rods, implanted in a patient's spinal system, and to tools for implanting the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spinal fixation devices are used in orthopedic surgery to align and/or fix a desired relationship between adjacent vertebral bodies. Such devices typically include a spinal fixation element, such as a relatively rigid fixation rod, that is coupled to adjacent vertebrae by attaching the element to various anchoring devices, such as hooks, bolts, wires, or screws. Alternatively, two rods can be disposed on the lateral or anterior surface of the vertebral body in a substantially parallel relationship. The fixation rods can have a predetermined contour that has been designed according to the properties of the target implantation site, and once installed, the rods hold the vertebrae in a desired spatial relationship, either until desired healing or spinal fusion has taken place, or for some longer period of time.

Spinal cross connectors are often used in conjunction with spinal fixation devices to provide additional stability to the devices. For example, it has been found that when a pair of spinal rods are fastened in parallel on either side of the spinous process, the assembly can be significantly strengthened by using a cross connector to bridge the pair of spinal rods. The connectors are typically in the form of a rod having a clamp formed on each end thereof for mating with a spinal rod.

While current spinal cross connectors have proven effective, difficulties have been encountered in mounting the cross connectors, and maintaining them in a desired position and orientation with respect to the spinal rod, or other spinal fixation device to which they are attached. In particular, the clamp assemblies often consist of several parts which make surgical application tedious, and which can also increase the manufacturing costs. Since the cross connector is often applied as the last step in a lengthy surgical procedure, ease of application is paramount. Fixation of the cross connector to spinal rods can also be difficult where the rods are not parallel to one another, or they are diverging/converging with respect to one another.

Accordingly, there presently exists a need for an improved spinal cross connector that can be easily installed and that securely mates to and connects spinal fixation devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an implantable spinal cross connector for connecting spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods to one another. In one embodiment, an exemplary implantable spinal cross connector is provided having an elongate body with a central portion and opposed first and second ends. At least one rod-receiving recess is formed adjacent to at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the elongate body. The device also includes at least one rod-engaging member and a locking mechanism that is adapted to apply a force to the rod-engaging member(s) to cause it to move linearly to lock a spinal fixation rod within the at least one rod-receiving recess.

The configuration of the locking mechanism can vary, but in one exemplary embodiment, the central portion of the elongate body includes a central bore formed therein that is adapted to receive the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can include a proximal portion that is adapted to engage a proximal portion of the central bore in the elongate body, and a distal shaft extending distally from the proximal portion. Preferably, the distal shaft is adapted to extend into the central bore to apply a force to the rod-engaging member(s) disposed within the elongate body to cause at least a portion of the rod-engaging member(s) to extend into the at least one rod-receiving recess to lock a spinal fixation rod therein. The distal shaft can optionally taper in a distal direction, and the rod-engaging member(s) can optionally include an internal surface that faces the central bore and that is substantially concave to seat the tapered shaft of the locking mechanism. In a further embodiment, the central bore can include threads formed therein for mating with corresponding threads formed on the proximal portion of the locking mechanism. The threads in the central bore and the threads on the proximal portion of the locking mechanism can optionally be sized to allow minor motion of the locking mechanism within the central bore.

The rod-engaging member(s) can also have a variety of configurations, but in an exemplary embodiment they are adapted to at least partially extend into the at least one rod-receiving recess to lock a spinal fixation element therein. More preferably, the rod-engaging member(s) is disposed within a rod-engaging member receiving cavity which extends between a central bore that is formed in the elongate body for receiving the locking mechanism, and the rod-receiving recess(es) in the elongate body. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod-engaging member(s) is slidably movable within the at least one receiving cavity. By way of non-limiting example, a pin member extending through the elongate body and into a groove formed within the rod-engaging member can be provided for slidably retaining each rod-engaging member within the receiving cavity. Each pin member is preferably effective to allow slidable movement of the rod-engaging members between a first retracted position in which the rod-engaging members are substantially positioned toward the central bore, and a second extended position in which the rod-engaging members are substantially positioned toward the rod-receiving recess.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an implantable spinal cross connector is provided and it includes an elongate body having a central portion and first and second rod-receiving recesses formed substantially adjacent to opposed terminal ends of the connector member. The elongate body can also include a first rod-engaging member extending between the central opening and the first rod-receiving recess, and a second rod-engaging member extending between the central opening and the second rod-receiving recess. The first and second rod-engaging members are preferably disposed within first and second cavities formed within the elongate body and extending between the central opening and the first and second rod-receiving recesses. The device also preferably includes a single locking mechanism that is matable to the central portion of the connector member and that is effective to lock first and second spinal fixation elements within the first and second rod-receiving recesses formed in the connector member. A central opening can be provided in the elongate body for receiving the locking mechanism.

In use, the rod-engaging members can be slidable between a first retracted position in which the rod-engaging members are substantially disposed within the first and second cavities in the elongate body, and a second extended position in which at least a portion of the rod-engaging members extend into the rod-receiving recesses formed within the elongate body. The locking mechanism is preferably effective to apply a force to the first and second rod-engaging members when the locking mechanism is disposed within the central opening to lock first and second spinal fixation elements within the first and second rod-receiving recesses.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an implantable spinal cross connector is provided having an elongate body with first and second rod-receiving recesses formed substantially adjacent to opposed first and second terminal ends therein, a first rod-engaging member that is adapted to extend into the first rod-receiving recess, a second rod-engaging member that is adapted to extend into the second rod-receiving recess. A locking mechanism is receivable within the elongate body and it is effective to apply a force to the first and second rod-engaging members to cause the first and second rod-engaging members to move linearly to lock a spinal fixation element within the first and second rod-receiving recesses.

The present invention also provides a method for connecting first and second spinal fixation rods that includes the steps of coupling first and second spinal fixation rods to one or more vertebrae in a patient's spinal column, positioning a spinal cross connector relative to the first and second spinal fixation rods such that the first spinal fixation rod is seated within a first rod-receiving recess in the spinal cross connector and the second spinal fixation rod is seated within a second rod-receiving recess in the spinal cross connector, and applying a single locking mechanism to the spinal cross connector to cause first and second rod-engaging members to move linearly to lock each of the first and second spinal fixation rods within the first and second rod-receiving recesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a spinal cross connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the spinal cross connector shown in FIG. 1A taken along line B-B;

FIG. 1C is a disassembled view of the spinal cross connector shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a side view of the spinal cross connector shown in FIG. 1A having first and second spinal fixation rods disposed and engaged therein;

FIG. 2 is a transparent side perspective view of yet another embodiment of a spinal cross connector in a disassembled state;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insertion tool for use with the spinal cross connector shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the distal portion of the insertion tool shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side, partially cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spinal cross connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of one of the rod-engaging members of the cross connector shown in FIG. 4A; and

FIG. 5 is a side, partially cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a spinal cross connector in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a spinal cross connector for connecting one or more spinal fixation elements, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods, that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es).

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that while the cross connector 10 is described herein as being adapted to engage a spinal fixation element, and in particular a spinal fixation rod, that a cross connector of the present invention can be configured to engage a variety of spinal fixation elements, such as anchors, cables, fixation plates, etc. Moreover, the cross connector can include only one rod-receiving recess for engaging a spinal fixation element, and the opposed terminal end of the cross connector can be adapted for other uses. For example, the opposed terminal end of the cross connector can be configured to be fixedly attached to a vertebra or vertebral body replacement device or graft. The cross connectors of the present invention can also include any combination of features described and/or illustrated herein or known in the art, and the cross connector is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a cross connector 10 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the cross connector 10 has a generally elongate body 12. The configuration, shape, and size of the elongate body 12 can vary depending on the intended use, but preferably the elongate body 12 has a shape, size, and configuration that allows it to connect to and span two spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, that are implanted within a patient's spinal column. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate body 12 includes a central portion 14 with opposed first and second terminal ends 16, 18. The length L_(b) of the elongate body 12 extending between the opposed terminal ends 14, 16 will vary depending on the intended use. For example, the elongate body 12 can have a length L_(b) that is in the range of about 10 mm to 30 mm for use in an anterior surgical approach. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross connector 10 is provided as part of a kit that includes multiple cross connectors having varying lengths L_(b). The length L_(b) of each cross connector 10 in the kit preferably differs in increments of about 1 mm.

As indicated above, the cross connector 10 is preferably adapted to connect to and span two spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, implanted within a patient's spinal column. Accordingly, the cross connector 10 can include one or more rod-receiving recesses formed therein. FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate first and second rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 formed therein and adapted to seat a spinal fixation rod. The location of the recesses 20, 22 can vary, but preferably the first and second rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 are formed substantially adjacent to the first and second terminals ends 16, 18 of the elongate body 12. As a result, when the cross connector 10 is connected to two spinal rods, the central portion 14 will extend between the rods. The rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 are also preferably formed in a bottom surface 12 b of the elongate body 12 such that they are on an opposite side of the body 12 from a central opening 24 that is formed in the top surface 12 a of the body 12 and which will be discussed in more detail below.

The rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 can vary in shape and size depending on the type of spinal fixation element being engaged. As previously noted, the cross connector 10 is preferably adapted to connect to two spinal fixation rods. Accordingly, each recess 20, 22 can have a shape that is configured to accommodate a substantially cylindrical spinal rod. In other words, each recess 20, 22 can be substantially concave such that it defines a partially cylindrical cavity. The size of the recesses 20, 22 can also vary depending on the size of the spinal fixation element. In an exemplary embodiment, each recess 20, 22 has a depth d_(r) that is greater than a radius of the spinal fixation rod disposed therein. The depth d_(r) can also be greater than a diameter of the spinal fixation rod, or is can be less than or substantially equal to a diameter of the spinal fixation rod. The recesses 20, 22 do, however, preferably seat a substantial portion of the spinal fixation rod to allow the rod to be firmly locked therein, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The cross connector 10 can also include one or more rod-engaging members, hereinafter referred to as shoes, that are configured to engage a spinal fixation element disposed within the recesses 20, 22. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the cross connector 10 includes first and second shoes 28, 30 that are slidably disposed within the elongate body 12 adjacent to the first and second rod-receiving recesses 20, 22. The shoes 28, 30 can have a variety of configurations and they can be mated to or disposed within the elongate body 12 using a variety of techniques, but they are preferably effective to move linearly in response to a force applied thereto by the locking mechanism 26 to lock a spinal fixation rod within each rod-receiving recess 20, 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate body 12 includes first and second receiving cavities 32, 34 formed therein for slidably seating the shoes 28, 30. The first and second cavities 32, 34 preferably extend between the central opening 24 formed in the central portion 14 of the elongate body 12, and the first and second rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 in the body 12. The cavities 32, 34 are also preferably spaced a distance apart from the bottom surface 12 b of the elongate body 12 to allow the shoes 28, 30 to be retained within the body 12.

Each cavity 32, 34 can vary in shape and size, but they should allow slidable movement of the shoes 20, 22 therein. More preferably, each cavity 32, 34 has a shape that is substantially similar to a shape of the shoes 20, 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each cavity 32, 34 has a substantially elongate rectangular shape that is configured to match the contour of each shoe 28, 30, as will be discussed below. The cavities 32, 34 can also extend at a downward angle from the central bore 24 toward the rod-receiving recesses 20, 22 such that each shoe 28, 30, when moved from within the cavity 32, 34 toward the rod-receiving recess 20, 22, extends in a downward direction. Such a configuration facilitates engagement of the rods disposed within the rod-receiving recesses 20, 22.

The shoes 28, 30 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 1B and 1C, and as shown each shoe 28, 30 can have a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional shape taken along a plane that extends between an internal surface 28 a, 30 a and an external surface 28 b, 30 b thereof. The internal surface 28 a, 30 a faces the central opening 24 when the shoe 28, 30 is disposed within the cavity 32, 34, and the opposed external surface 28 b, 30 b faces the rod-receiving recess 20, 22. While the cross-section of the shoes 28, 30 can be substantially square or rectangular, the internal and external surfaces 28 a, 30 a, 38 b, 30 b can vary in shape. In particular, the internal surface 28 a, 30 a of each shoe 28, 30 can have a shape that conforms to the shape of the locking mechanism 26, which will be discussed in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal surface 28 a, 30 a of each shoe 28, 30 includes a concave recess formed therein, as shown. The concave shape of the internal surface 28 a, 30 a is effective to seat a portion of the locking mechanism 26. As is further shown in FIG. 1C, the external surface 28 b, 30 b of each shoe 28, 30 can have a substantially planar configuration, but each surface 28 b, 30 b can extend at an angle such that a width w₁ at a top portion of each shoe 28, 30 is less than a width w₂ at a bottom portion of each shoe 28, 30. In other words, the width of each shoe 28, 30 decreases from the top to the bottom. This configuration allows only a mid-portion or the bottom portion of each shoe 28, 30 to come into contact with a spinal fixation rod disposed within the rod-receiving recess 20, 22 in the elongate body 12 when the shoes 28, 30 are in a locked configuration as a result of the locking mechanism 26. The external surface 28 b, 30 b of each shoe 28, 30 can also be optimizing to facilitate engagement of a spinal fixation rod. By way of non-limiting example, the surfaces 28 b, 30 b, or at least a portion thereof, can include gripping features, such as ridges, grooves, a surface coating, etc., formed or disposed thereon to engage the rod.

In use, the first and second shoes 28, 30 are preferably slidably movable between a first retracted position (not shown) in which the shoes 28, 30 are at least partially or fully disposed within the first and second cavities 32, 34 in the elongate body 12, and a second extended position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in which at least a portion of the shoes 28, 30 extend into the recesses 20, 22 formed within the elongate body 12. In the first retracted position, at least a portion of the shoes 28, 30 can extend into the central opening 24 in the elongate body 12. The shoes 28, 30 can be moved into the second extended position by inserting the locking mechanism 26 into the opening 24 such that the locking mechanism 26 applies a force to the first and second movable shoes 28, 30 to cause the shoes 28, 30 to move linearly and lock first and second spinal fixation rods within the first and second rod-receiving recesses 20, 22.

In order to prevent the shoes 28, 30 from falling out of the cavities during movement, the device 10 can include a mechanism to slidably retain each shoe 28, 30 within each cavity 32, 34. While various techniques can be used, in one exemplary embodiment, as shown, the cross connector 10 includes first and second pin members 40, 42 that extend through the bottom surface 12 b of the body 12 and into a groove 44, 46 formed within a bottom surface of each shoe 28, 30. The groove 44, 46 preferably extends between the internal and external faces 28 a, 30 a, 38 b, 30 b of the shoes 28, 30 to allow the shoes 28, 30 to slide between the retracted and extended positions. The pin members 40, 42 can be retained within the elongate body 12 using various techniques, but preferably the pin members 40, 42 are fixedly mated to the elongate body 12 using a press fit or using other techniques known in the art.

Other embodiments of techniques for retaining the shoes within the connector body are shown in FIGS. 4A-5. FIG. 4A illustrates a connector 200 that is similar to connector 10 and that includes connector body 212 with shoes 228 and 230 disposed therein. In this embodiment, each shoe 228, 230 includes a tab that extends toward the central opening 224 of the connector body 212, and that includes a protrusion formed thereon that is adapted to extend into a bore or groove formed in the connector body 212. The tabs on the shoes 228, 230 are preferably formed on opposite sides of the connector body 212, thus FIG. 4A only illustrates tab 229 formed on shoe 228. The protrusion 229 a on tab 229 is shown in detail in FIG. 4B. In use, the protrusion 229 a on the tab 229 extends into a bore 213 formed in a sidewall of the connector body 212. The tab 229 is preferably deflectable to allow the shoe 228 to be snapped into the connector body 212. Once the protrusion 229 a on the tab 229 is in engagement with the bore 213, the protrusion 229 a is free to move within the bore 213, thus allowing the shoe 228 to slidably move relative to the connector body 212.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the shoes 328, 330 are retained within the body 312 of the connector 300 by a hook-type engagement. In particular, each shoe 328, 330 preferably includes a hook member that extends toward the central opening 324 in the body 312. The hook members on the shoes 328, 330 are preferably formed on opposite sides of the connector body 312, thus FIG. 5 only illustrates hook member 329 formed on shoe 328. Thus, referring to shoe 328, the hook member 329 is configured to engage a pin 313 that protrudes into the central opening 324 formed in the connector body 312 such that the hook member 329 extends around the pin 313. In use, the length of the hook member 329 allows the shoe 328 to slidably move relative to the connector body 312 while the pin 313 prevents the hook member 329, and thus the shoe 328, from falling out of the connector body 312. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other techniques can be used to retain the shoes within the connector body.

As noted above, the device 10 further includes a locking mechanism 26 that is adapted to apply a force to the shoes 28, 30 to linearly move the shoes 28, 30 from the first retracted position to the second extended position. The locking mechanism 26 can have a variety of configurations and it can be receivable within the elongate body 12 at a variety of locations. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the elongate body 12 includes a central opening 24 formed in a top surface 12 a thereof for receiving the locking mechanism 26. The central opening 24 can extend completely through the elongate body 12, but it preferably terminates at a location that is a distance apart from the bottom surface 12 b of the body 12. The locking mechanism 26, which is receivable within the opening 24, can include a proximal portion 26 a that is adapted to mate to a proximal portion of the central opening 24, and a distal portion 26 b that is adapted to apply a force to the shoes 28, 30 to move the shoes 28, 30 into the second extended position. While various techniques can be used to mate the locking mechanism 26 to the central opening 24, in the illustrated embodiment the proximal portion 26 a of the locking mechanism 26 includes threads 26 d formed thereon for mating with corresponding threads 25 formed within at least a proximal portion of the central opening 24. The distal portion 26 b of the locking mechanism 26 can also vary in shape and size, but in one exemplary embodiment the distal portion 26 b of the locking mechanism 26 is in the form of a shaft or pin-type member. At least a portion of the shaft 26 b preferably tapers toward the distal end to facilitate the application of force against the shoes 28, 30. In particular, as previously indicated, the internal surface 28 a, 30 a of each shoe 28, 30 can have a concave recess formed therein for seating the tapered shaft 26 b. Thus, when the locking mechanism 26 is threaded into the central opening 24, the tapered shaft 26 b contacts the concave internal surface 28 a, 30 a of each shoe 28, 30 to force the shoes 28, 30 into the second extended position. The shaft 26 b can also have a variety of other shapes such as, for example, a spherical shape or cone shape. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the distal portion 26 b of the locking mechanism 26 can vary depending on the shape of the shoes 28, 30.

In use, the cross connector 10 can be coupled to one or more, and preferably two, spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, that are implanted within a patient's spine, as shown in FIG. 1D. This can be achieved by positioning the cross connector 10 such that a spinal rod 70, 80 is seated within each rod-receiving recess 20, 22. In this position, the shoes 28, 30 are in the first retracted position, as the locking mechanism 26 is not yet inserted into the central opening 24, or it is only loosely threaded in the central opening 24. The spinal rods 70, 80 may also force the shoes 28, 30 into the retracted position. Once the cross connector 10 is properly disposed over the spinal rods 70, 80, the locking mechanism 26 can then be threaded into the central opening 24. As the locking mechanism 26 is rotated, the distal shaft 26 b will contact the internal surface 28 a, 30 a of the shoes 28, 30 to push the shoes 28, 30 toward the rod-receiving recesses 20, 22, thereby pushing the shoes 28, 30 against the spinal rods 70, 80 disposed therein. The locking mechanism 26 is threaded until the shoes 28, 30 lock the rods 70, 80 into the recesses 20, 22, as shown in FIG. 1D. The threads 26 d on the locking mechanism 26 and the threads 25 in the central opening 24 can optionally be designed such that, when the locking mechanism 26 is fully threaded into the central opening 24, the shoes 28, 30 are in a locked position. The threads 26 d, 25 can also be designed to allow some minor movement between the locking mechanism 26 and the elongate body 12 to allow for any imbalance between the position of the shoes 28, 30. Imbalances can occur as a result of the position of the spinal rods implanted in the patient's spine, e.g., when the rods are not parallel to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, a minor gap can be provided between the threads 25 in the central opening such that the locking mechanism 26 can slightly move side-to-side when disposed therein. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other techniques can be used to facilitate the equal distribution of force by the locking mechanism 26 onto the shoes 28, 30 such that the shoes 28, 30.

The locking mechanism 26 can have a variety of other configurations, and a variety of other techniques can be used to move the shoes 28, 30 between the first retracted position and the second extended position, and to lock the shoes in a fixed position to engage spinal fixation elements disposed within the recesses 20, 22. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a locking mechanism 26′ that includes two separate components: a ball-type member 26 b′ and a threaded member 26 a′. The ball-type member 26 b′ sits within the central opening 24′ in the elongate body 12′, and the threaded member 26 a′ can be threaded into the opening 24′ to push the ball-type member 26 b′ downward, thereby moving the shoes 28′, 30′ into the extended position.

The present invention also provides an inserter tool 100 that can be used to position a spinal implant or device with respect to one or more spinal fixation elements, such as two spinal rods. While the tool 100 is described for use with cross connector 10, the tool can be used with a variety of spinal implants and devices. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, one exemplary embodiment of an inserter tool 100 is shown in accordance with the present invention. In general, the tool 100 includes an elongate shaft 102 having a proximal handle end 102 a and a distal end 102 b. The elongate shaft 102 is preferably hollow to allow other tools, such as a driver for rotating the locking mechanism 26, to be inserted therethrough. The proximal handle end 102 a can have a variety of configurations, shapes, and sizes, but it is preferably adapted to allow a user to easily grasp the tool 100. As shown in FIG. 3A, the handle 102 a includes ridges 103 formed thereon to facilitate grasping of the device 100. The distal end 102 b of the elongate shaft 102 is configured to grasp the cross connector 10 to position the cross connector 10 in relation to one or more spinal fixation elements implanted in a patient's spine.

The distal end 102 b of the elongate shaft 102 of the inserter tool 100 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3B, and as shown the distal end 102 b includes first and second arms 106, 108 which are effective to engage the central portion 14 of the cross connector 10. The arms 106, 108 preferably define a cavity 104 therebetween that has a shape that generally corresponds to the contour of the central portion 14 of the cross connector 10. In particular, the cavity 104 can be substantially square or rectangular in shape to receive the central portion 14. The distal end 102 b of the inserter tool 100 can also have a substantially square or rectangular shape to define the shape of the cavity 104 as well as the position of the arms 106, 108 relative to one another.

Each arm 106, 108 of the inserter tool 100 can also be flexible, or include a flexible portion, to create a friction fit between the arms 106, 108 and the central portion 14 of the cross connector, thereby allowing the cross connector 10 to be removably mated to the inserter tool 100. As shown in FIG. 3B, arm 106 has a flexible tab 106 a formed at a substantial mid-portion thereof. While only partially shown, arm 108 can also include a flexible tab 108 a formed thereon. The flexible tabs 106 a, 108 a can have any shape and size, but they preferably define a distance d_(a) (FIG. 3A) therebetween that is equal to or slightly less than a width w_(c) (FIG. 1C) of the central portion 14 of the cross connector 10.

The arms 106, 108 of the inserter tool 100 can also include one or more features formed thereon for aligning the tool 100 with the cross connector 10. By way of non-limiting example, an inner surface of each arm 106, 108 can include a protrusion (not shown) formed thereon for fitting within a corresponding detent or groove formed on the central portion 14 of the cross connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusions are formed on diagonally opposed ends of the opposed arms 106, 108, and the grooves 15 a, 15 b are formed on diagonally opposed sides of the central portion 14 of the cross connector 10, as shown in FIG. 1A. This allows the inserter tool 100 to be properly aligned with the cross connector 10, and in particular such a feature is effective to align the lumen extending through the inserter tool 100 with the central opening 24 formed in the cross connector 10.

The inserter tool 100 can also optionally include one or more cut-out portions or windows formed therein to facilitate viewing of the central opening 24 in the cross connector 10 when the cross connector 10 is coupled to the tool 100. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3B illustrates window 110 formed in the shaft 102 of the inserter tool 100 just proximal to the distal end 102 b. While not shown, a second window can be formed opposed to the first window 110.

The present invention also provides a method for coupling to spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, implanted within a patient's spinal column. In general, as previously described with respect to FIG. 1C, after the spinal fixation rods 70, 80 are implanted using techniques know in the art, the rods 70, 80 can be rigidly coupled to one another by positioning the cross connector 10 over the rods 70, 80 such that the rods 70, 80 sit within the recesses 20, 22 in the cross connector 10. The inserter tool 100 can be used to facilitate such positioning of the cross connector 10. In particular, the cross connector 10 can be positioned between and engaged by the opposed arms 106, 108 of the inserter tool 100. The tool 100 can then be manipulated to position the cross connector 10 over the rods 70, 80. A driver mechanism (not shown) can then be inserted through the hollow elongate shaft 102 of the inserter tool 100 to rotate the locking mechanism 26, which is preferably loosely pre-threaded into the central opening 24, thereby moving the shoes 28, 30 to lock the spinal rods 70, 80 relative to the cross connector 10.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for stabilizing a spine, comprising: coupling a spinal fixation rod to one or more vertebrae in a patient's spinal column; positioning a spinal cross connector, the spinal cross connector having a top surface and a rod-receiving recess disposed distal to the top surface, relative to the spinal fixation rod such that the spinal fixation rod is seated within the rod-receiving recess in the spinal cross connector; and applying a locking mechanism to the spinal cross connector to cause a rod-engaging member to move linearly to lock the spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess, applying the locking mechanism comprising advancing the locking mechanism within an opening formed in the spinal cross connector along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spinal cross connector; wherein applying the locking mechanism causes the rod-engaging member to slide distally away from the top surface at a downward angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spinal cross connector from the opening toward the rod-receiving recess.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the locking mechanism comprises threading the locking mechanism into the opening.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the locking mechanism causes the rod-engaging member to slide from a first retracted position to a second extended position in which the rod-engaging member extends from the spinal cross connector to engage and lock the spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the rod-engaging member slides within a cavity that extends between the opening and the rod-receiving recess.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the locking mechanism comprises engaging a proximal, threaded portion of the locking mechanism with the opening and engaging a distal, non-threaded portion of the locking mechanism with the rod-engaging member.
 6. A method for locking a spinal fixation rod to a spinal cross connector, comprising: seating a spinal fixation rod within a rod-receiving recess formed in an elongate body of a spinal cross connector, the rod-receiving recess being disposed distal to a top surface of the spinal cross connector; and advancing a locking mechanism within an opening formed in the elongate body along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body such that a rod-engaging member linearly slidably disposed within a cavity formed in the elongate body slides into engagement with the spinal fixation rod to lock the spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess; wherein advancing the locking mechanism causes the rod-engaging member to slide distally away from the top surface at a downward angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body from the opening toward the rod-receiving recess.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein advancing the locking mechanism comprises engaging the locking mechanism with an external surface of the rod-engaging member to linearly slide the rod-engaging member as the locking mechanism is advanced.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the external surface of the rod-engaging member faces the opening and wherein the rod-engaging member has a second external surface that faces the rod-receiving recess.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein advancing the locking mechanism comprises engaging the external surface of the rod-engaging member with a tapered distal portion of the locking mechanism to apply a force to the rod-engaging member and lock the spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess.
 10. A method for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods, comprising: seating a first spinal fixation rod in a first rod-receiving recess of a spinal cross connector, the spinal cross connector having a top surface located proximal to the first rod-receiving recess; seating a second spinal fixation rod in a second rod-receiving recess of the spinal cross connector; advancing a locking mechanism within an opening formed in the spinal cross connector along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spinal cross connector to linearly slide a first rod-engaging member within a first cavity of the spinal cross connector such that the first rod-engaging member extends at least partially into the first rod-receiving recess to engage and lock the first spinal fixation rod within the first rod-receiving recess; and sliding a second rod-engaging member within a second cavity of the spinal cross connector such that the second rod-engaging member extends at least partially into the second rod-receiving recess to engage and lock the second spinal fixation rod within the second rod-receiving recess; wherein advancing the locking mechanism causes the first rod-engaging member to slide distally away from the top surface at a downward angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spinal cross connector from the opening toward the first rod-receiving recess.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein sliding the second rod-engaging member comprises sliding the second rod-engaging member linearly.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein sliding the first and second rod-engaging members comprises sliding the first and second rod-engaging members in opposed directions. 